Thoughts on 2024 or newer VW Atlas?

1,912 Views | 18 Replies | Last: 17 days ago by RightWingConspirator
HouseDivided06
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12:12p, 7/25/26
AG
Wife getting to be at the point where we are looking for something new for her. Very early in the process. Looking for something under $45K before TTL (a little flexible on that), under 20K miles (the lower the better), 3 rows, ideally 2nd row captain seats, leather seats, ventilated front seats, and all around camera. She leans to more luxury brand (in Dallas and have enjoyed Sewell service for her Cadillac) but not a requirement. Things we are considering:

Infiniti QX60 (Luxe trim and up)
Kia Telluride
VW Atlas
Honda Pilot (maybe)
Highlander (maybe)
MDX

I feel like best bang for the buck is likely the Telluride, but I have always liked Nissan/Infiniti products. I have had an Xterra (high school and college), G35, Pathfinder, and 2 Titans. The Atlas just entered the chat when we had an Uber the other day that was an Atlas and seemed very nice. Anything I need to know there for reliability? The benefit seems to be you can get a loaded out one for the price point I am looking at with low miles, but I know very little about VW and reliability and issues.
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ktownag08
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1:07p, 7/25/26
AG
Can get a very low miles 2025-2026 loaded Telluride for that range. That's what I'd do zero question.
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HollywoodBQ
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In reply to HouseDivided06 • 11:17p, 7/25/26
AG
I had an Atlas as a rental out of Austin a few years ago (during the Covid panic) when I was living in LA.

My biggest complaint was that it was real easy to do 90 mph without any indication that you were going that fast.

On a side note, we bought my daughter a VW Taos a couple weeks ago after she decided the Atlas was too beaucoups.
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JamesPShelley
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In reply to ktownag08 • 9:45a, 7/26/26
ktownag08 said:
Can get a very low miles 2025-2026 loaded Telluride for that range. That's what I'd do zero question.

Best advice. Get the Telluride. I don't know... but if they offer a 4-banger, full STOP. Get the 6 banger no questions asked. Seriously. Don't be talked in a 4-banger. Just don't.

Edit: do't > don't.
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1agswitchin4lanes
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10:25p, 7/26/26
AG
Had a 26 rental last month. What a disappointment of a car. Terrible NVH from the 2.0L, no passing power, fussy controls, and lack of actual buttons to control stuff like climate.
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Martels Hammer
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8:31a, 7/27/26
Our next-door neighbor just bought a fully loaded Kia Telluride. I'm super impressed with the entire vehicle. The number of features it has is really impressive.

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trip98
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11:31a, 7/27/26
AG
I have a '25 with the 4 cylinder turbo. Got it in March. Have put about 6k miles on it already including a family road trip to Florida. Its my daily driver with 20 mile commute in Houston one way.

As usual....1ags knows things so I agree with him except one thing....here's what I would add/change:

--The 2 complaints I have are exactly what he said....
The primary complaint is to control the A/C you have to do touch screen. No knobs, etc. It's a PITA. The radio is the same with no controls. You have to do the touchscreen but it has buttons on steering wheel that make it easy to flip thru saved stations at least.
The second complaint is the lack of power...particularly off the line. Its underpowered for sure. I will say that on the road trip to Florida on the interstate loaded down with 4 people and all gear I was pleased with its acceleration and responsiveness. But then again, I bought this to commute and not be in a sedan...and not be in a truck...and also provide space. So I'm not looking for it it to go 0-60 in 4.2.

But on the road trip that was 12 hours one way....everyone was comfortable including those in the 2nd row. As for space we had tons and didn't have to mess with cargo carrier or trailer hitch.

And it got great gas mileage on the trip. And around Houston for my commute it does as well. Heck, for giggles I had to get my son from airport late one weeknight down at Hobby...about 30 minute drive. I set the cruise 2 mph above the speed limit and had light traffic. I got over 30 mpg.

It's also pretty comfortable. Are there more comfortable out there? yep. There's also less comfortable out there. Wife has a nagging back issue and she was fine on the entire road trip.
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HouseDivided06
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11:39a, 7/27/26
AG
Good feedback and appreciate the replies. We actually went and test drove a couple cars this weekend. 2026 Atlas with 13,000 miles that was nice. Our biggest complaint echoes trip98s: We HATED that everything is through the touch screen. Give me some buttons, damn it. But overall, very nice car with lots of room. While we were there, we saw a 2026 Palisade XRT. She originally did not like the look of the Palisade, but she likes the body style. We drove that and liked it a lot. Engine lacked some get up and go, and you have to go to the Limited or Caligraphy trim to get Homelink, but in the running. Also drove a 2025 Infiniti QX60 Sensory trim level. Interior, probably the most luxurious of the 3 we drove, and driving experience was great. Downside is that it is the smallest interior of the 3 we looked at. Also to get captain's seats in the second row, you have to get the Autograph trim level, and even then, there is a center console which kid of defeats the purpose. Still need to drive a Telluride and maybe an MDX and a Highlander.
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rebag00
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12:53p, 7/27/26
AG
Jumping in on the "I once had an Atlas rental..." The transmission on my rental was not good. Thumped/banged when put into gear from P, all the lights would go on. Take out of gear, then back into gear and it was fine, no faults. Felt like the trans was made of plastic. Which it apparently partially is. Obviously, I had one with a bad trans, but overall, it was kind of meh. Only had around 5K miles on it. Made in Chattanooga. Trans is Japanese.
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TRIDENT
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2:01p, 7/27/26
AG
Might want to add the Mazda CX-90 to your list.
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trip98
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6:18p, 7/27/26
AG
we did a lot of the same testing. We were down to the CX90 and the Atlas. The pallisade was nice but like you said you have to get the high end. We were underwhelmed by the highlander...which is weird b/c so many folks love it including one of my good friends.
Telluride was a decent option but it was further down the list. MDX is definitely nice but pricey.

I also knew that I am only planning on having this car for about 2.5 years so I also wanted to fit something in budget and that when sold would still have a little warranty to go with it.
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insulator_king
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In reply to TRIDENT • 7:41p, 7/28/26
AG
TRIDENT said:
Might want to add the Mazda CX-90 to your list.

I've got a 2025 CX-90, Really like it, especially the very good MPG in city driving. You'll want the Turbo S Prem or Prem+ for the ventilated seats and higher HP. Can also tow 5000lbs.
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HoustonAg12
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7:19a, 7/29/26
AG
We recently purchased a new 2026 Pilot in that range. We love it, still has the V6. Also has the bench seat with removable middle to make captains chairs. We leave it as captains but have the option to make it bench if hauling extra kids friends around, etc…. Not going to blow your mind with tech but solid vehicle so far
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BlueSmoke
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7:59a, 7/29/26
If you value reliability, the MDX is far and away the best option.
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HouseDivided06
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11:46a, 8/5/26
AG
Well, enter the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Caligraphy. She really didn't love the old body style of the Palisade, but we drove an XRT Pro 2026 Palisade which led us to drive a Caligraphy trim and she loves it. Slightly higher price range, but more bang for the buck for sure. Still looking at the Telluride SX Prestige, but the Palisade Caligraphy gives some nice upgrades for not that much more in cost. Seems to be the leader in the clubhouse now, if we can get one a little lower in price and a good number on her trade in.
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techno-ag
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11:42a, 8/6/26
AG
I'm going to vote for the Honda with no turbo or hybrid if you want something that will last halfway to forever.
The left cannot kill the Spirit of Charlie Kirk.
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SteveA
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5:13p, 8/6/26
AG
I have had 2 VW's. A GTI and a Golf R. Brother in law had a GTI and 2 Tiguans. All of them have been in the shop a bunch. I love the golf R, but the electronics are crap. I wouldn't buy another VW when there are more reliable choices out there.
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befitter
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5:37p, 8/12/26
I have a 2023 R-Line with all the bells and whistles the Atlas comes with. It has been a good car (about to sell but too many miles for you). The roominess in the car is great. I've had no mechanical/engine issues but am currently dealing with an airbag issue at almost 70,000 miles. I have not been impressed with the media tech in the car and engine power is lame. I'm used to Audi's and went to this car not wanting to spend a gajillion bucks but I'm headed back to Audi.
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RightWingConspirator
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9:06p, 8/12/26
AG
I bought my wife a 2027 X Line SX Prestige Telluride HEV. We love it and seems to have just about every bell and whistle known to man. First Kia but we've been pleased. It's the 4 banger but still produces 330 HP out of the hybrid engine which is what we bought.
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